For just the sixth time in program history, Clemson is switching things up. The Tigers prepare for their Week 3 battle against Georgia Tech with a new jersey combination that hasn’t appeared since 2008, one that’s vastly different from the usual orange and white. A shocking Week 1 loss puts the Tigers at 1-1, and now the No. 12 team faces a crucial test against the 2-0 Yellow Jackets.
Clemson Set to Bring Back Their Purple Jerseys vs. Georgia Tech
On paper, neither Clemson nor Georgia Tech screams purple. Nothing about their logos or team resembles that color, but it’s a change the Tigers are willing to bring back. This is likely a one-off appearance, as it’s not expected they’ll bust out the purple again anytime soon.
I can confirm that Clemson football is going with a unique uniform combo vs. Georgia Tech today — orange helmets, purple jerseys and white pants. First time Clemson has worn this combo since 2008. Result of GT doing a home white-out. Believe @steelerwill was first
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 13, 2025
In fact, this marks the first time Clemson has worn purple on the road since 2003. Chapel Fowler of The State wrote, “The team has traditionally only worn purple jerseys for its designated Military Appreciation Day game in November, a nod to the Purple Heart award.”
Clemson’s uniform combination includes orange helmets, purple jerseys, and white pants. The last time they wore this exact setup was at home against Maryland in 2008. The purple jerseys last appeared on the road during a 2003 matchup against Georgia Tech.
Good guys wear….purple. 😏🟣 pic.twitter.com/8FjHh5zUhO
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 13, 2025
Twenty-two years later, they’re set to do the unthinkable. Clemson fans have long asked for this to be a permanent change, though Clemson has never obliged. Dabo Swinney’s lengthy head coaching career has seen plenty of ups and downs, but he’s tended to be a traditionalist throughout. Now, he’s throwing the rules out of the window for a September ACC matchup.
ESPN is set to host the noon EST ACC kickoff between the Tigers and Yellow Jackets. Brad Senkiw of Rubbing the Rock speculated the jersey change stems from Georgia Tech hosting a “white out.” With all of the fans encouraged to wear white, the last thing Clemson wants to do is blend in by wearing white themselves. Instead, they’ll stand out with a bright purple and orange combination.
After taking down Gardner-Webb 59-12 last week, Georgia Tech has their second of three straight home games. Their Week 1 win over Colorado no longer looks as impressive, as Coach Prime’s Buffaloes fell to 1-2 last night. Regardless, the Yellow Jackets hold a few key advantages against a Clemson team that has dropped eight spots since they entered the 2024-25 season at No. 4.
Once again, all eyes are on Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik. He’s completed just 59.7% of his passes so far this season, throwing for 426 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the team’s first two games. Clemson’s run game remains one-dimensional, with Adam Randall being the lone back with more than 10 rushing yards.
